Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §6001, sub-§1-B is enacted to read:

1-B.__Atlantic halibut.__"Atlantic halibut" means the species hippoglossus, commonly called Atlantic halibut.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §6557 is enacted to read:

§6557.__Atlantic halibut; limits

1.__Minimum length.__A person may not take or possess Atlantic halibut that are less than 36 inches in length.

2.__Bag limit.__A person may not take more than one Atlantic halibut in any one day.

3. Penalty.__A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

SUMMARY

This bill sets restrictions on the taking and possessing of Atlantic halibut. It prohibits the taking or possessing of Atlantic halibut that are less than 36 inches in length and sets a limit on the number of Atlantic halibut that may be taken in any one day. A violation of the limits is a civil violation with a penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $500.